Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Gitau, M.M.; Arora, N.
Missouri Medicine 106(1): 50-54
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-6620 PMID: 19245124 Document Number: 631451
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a well recognized, potentially life-threatening, complication of heparin therapy. It is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis which can be sometimes fatal. Making the diagnosis of HIT can be quite challenging for the clinician as it requires recognition of the tell-tale clinical presentation as well as positive confirmation with appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests. This paper reviews the pathophysiology, recognition, treatment and prevention of HIT for the clinical physician.